May 29, 1942 - April 24, 2021
After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Don decided to leave us on April 24, 2021 at home on his beloved ranch with his wife Claire at his side.
He is survived by his wife Claire, his daughter Tracy (Ken), son Rick (Jenny), both of Vernon, his daughter Tina (Jim), of Pender Island, his brother Ken (Wendy) of Vernon, his brother Rod (Carol) of Royston, his 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and 92 year old Uncle Ralph in Vancouver.
Don was born in Vernon, the second son of Violet and Leyden Christensen who were also born in Vernon. Don graduated from Vernon High School, a proud member of the Championship Football Team.
Not long after graduation, Don travelled throughout Europe and the Mediterranean working at whatever was available including as a merchant mariner, visiting ports in the Black Sea and Russia at the height of the cold war, a source of many great stories. On returning home Don joined the family grocery business and was actively involved in that business until a few months before his passing.
For many years a lot of people shopping at Buy Low wondered who the old guy was who always seemed to be arranging stock on shelves - it was Don who was a hands-on owner and knew exactly where everything was and should be.
He raised his three children first on a small acreage and later bought the "Ranch" where he built his home surrounded by nature. Retirement was not something Don thought about but enjoyed spending his afternoons walking his dogs with Claire, starting bonfires with his brother and sitting on his balcony taking in the view.
Don was often quiet, commonly witty, smart, generous, a fine man. He was a traveler, an avid reader, a storyteller and a history buff. He was a great father, loving grandfather, and an involved member of the Vernon community. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.
There will not be a celebration of Don's life at this time, but there will be a great "family burn" at his ranch at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Centre though the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,
Phone: 250-542-4333 Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com
Pleasant Valley Funeral Home